Venice News Today — September 3, 2026
‘I Am Frankelda’ Filmmakers Roy and Arturo Ambriz Take ‘Ballad of the Phoenix’ to Venice, Share Guillermo del Toro’s Advice to ‘Go Bigger’ and more — today's venice signal.
The Venice film scene is buzzing with exciting new projects and tributes to trailblazing figures. The Ambriz brothers, Roy and Arturo, are bringing their film "Ballad of the Phoenix" to Venice, where they reportedly drew inspiration from a chat with Guillermo del Toro, who encouraged them to "go bigger" with their vision. Meanwhile, filmmaker Elina Psykou is preparing to present her new project, "Patrimonial Fears and Other Illusions", at the Venice Gap-Financing Market, with a talented cast that includes several veteran actors.
In other news, a new documentary is shining a light on Fernanda Wittgens, Italy's first female museum director, who was also a passionate anti-fascist activist. The film, "Anatomy of a Portrait", offers a fascinating glimpse into her life and legacy. While the film world is abuzz with new releases and projects, the music scene is also heating up, with Lagunitas teaming up with rock legends Iron Maiden for their "Run For Your Lives" world tour. And in Hollywood, family dynamics are making headlines, with Billy Ray Cyrus commenting on Miley Cyrus's decision to drop her last name. However, not all new releases are hitting the mark, with Joe Swanberg's romantic comedy "The Sun Never Sets" receiving a lukewarm review.
Today's signal:
• ‘I Am Frankelda’ Filmmakers Roy and Arturo Ambriz Take ‘Ballad of the Phoenix’ to Venice, Share Guillermo del Toro’s Advice to ‘Go Bigger’ (variety.com)
• Elina Psykou’s ‘Patrimonial Fears and Other Illusions’ Casts Veteran Trio Ahead of Venice Gap-Financing Market (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• ‘Anatomy of a Portrait’ Profiles Fernanda Wittgens, Italy’s First Female Museum Director and an Anti-Fascist Activist (variety.com)
• Billy Ray Cyrus Says Miley Dropping Last Name Is ‘Natural Progression for an Iconic Superstar’ (rollingstone.com)
• Lagunitas and Iron Maiden Hit the Road Together for ‘Run For Your Lives’ World Tour (rollingstone.com)
• ‘The Sun Never Sets’ Review: Dakota Fanning and Jake Johnson Split, Maybe, in Joe Swanberg’s Unsatisfying Romcom (variety.com)